260658 Factors associated with cervical cancer screening among Korean American women

Sunday, October 28, 2012

Carolyn Y. Fang, PhD , Cancer Prevention and Control Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA
Grace X. Ma, PhD , Department of Public Health, Temple University, Center for Asian Health, Philadelphia, PA
Yin Tan, MD, MPH , Department of Public Health, Temple University, Center for Asian Health, Philadelphia, PA
Joanne Rhee, BS , Department of Public Health, Temple University, Center for Asian Health, Philadelphia, PA
Ziding Feng, PhD , Biostatistics Program, Cancer Prevention Research Program, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA
Charles Kim , Asian Community Health Coalition, Philadelphia, PA
Background: Despite the survival benefits associated with cervical cancer screening, utilization of the Pap test among Korean American women is relatively poor compared with other racial/ethnic groups. Yet, little is known regarding what factors may be associated with cervical cancer screening among Korean American women.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to identify sociodemographic, acculturation, knowledge and psychosocial factors that are associated with cervical cancer screening behavior among Korean American women.

Methods: Korean American women (n=358) were recruited into the study from Korean churches located in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Participants completed assessments of sociodemographic and acculturation variables, health care access factors, knowledge of human papillomavirus (HPV) and cervical cancer risk factors, and health beliefs in either English or Korean language.

Results: The ever cervical cancer screening rate was 66.8% (239/358). Marital status and health insurance coverage were associated with having had a Pap test (p < 0.05). Belief in the ability of the Pap test to detect cervical cancer, as well as knowledge about HPV, including the fact that HPV is a sexually transmitted disease, were significantly associated with ever screening rate (ps < 0.05). Numerous barriers (e.g., embarrassment, belief that the test was painful, not knowing where to get the test, language difficulties) were associated with non-screening (ps < 0.01).

Conclusion: The identification of factors that may be associated with cervical cancer screening among Korean American women will help inform the development of culturally appropriate intervention programs designed to enhance screening in this underserved population.

Learning Areas:
Diversity and culture
Social and behavioral sciences

Learning Objectives:
1. By the end of the session, participants will be able to identify factors associated with cervical cancer screening among Korean American women. 2. By the end of the session, participants will be able to apply the results of this study to the development of culturally appropriate intervention strategies to increase cervical cancer screening rates among Korean American women.

Keywords: Cancer Screening, Asian Americans

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am a Co-PI on this study and have participated in the design and implementation of the study.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

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